Digvijaya Singh questions encounter of Naxalite Hidma:Shares ‘murder’ claim video, BJP accuses him of ignoring inspector killed in action

The political climate in Madhya Pradesh has heated up following the encounter of Maoist commander and wanted Naxalite Madvi Hidma in Chhattisgarh. Former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh has questioned the encounter, placing himself at the centre of political controversy. Digvijaya shares video calling encounter ‘fake’ Digvijaya Singh shared a video by tribal activist Soni Sori, who claimed the encounter was staged.
In the video, she alleges: This was not an encounter, it was murder. Following this, the BJP launched a sharp attack on Singh. BJP’s counterattack: ‘He did not say a word for martyred inspector’ BJP MP Alok Sharma questioned Digvijaya’s silence on security personnel killed in action.
He said: He never speaks for soldiers who die for the nation. Why does he always defend terrorists? The public knows everything—that’s why their entire party keeps losing elections. Digvijaya responds: ‘I oppose violence, but the real issue is different’ In a social media post, Digvijaya said he opposes Naxal violence and supports surrender through dialogue:
“Negotiations must be held and surrenders ensured. They must be brought into the mainstream socio-economically. Tribal rights have been eroded.” He demanded the implementation of the PESA Act across all Scheduled Areas, especially in Bastar. BJP MLA from Kalapipal, Ghanshyam Chandravanshi, accused Digvijaya of ignoring the martyrdom of Inspector Ashish Sharma of Narsinghpur: He didn’t say a single word for the inspector, but he is raising questions for a dreaded Naxalite like Hidma. He could have at least paid tributes. Questions raised on SIR and voter documentation Singh also questioned whether tribals living in Naxal-affected regions possess documentation required for inclusion in voter lists:
“If their names aren’t added, they cease to remain citizens of this country. Every political party should consider this. BJP has never truly supported tribal interests.” What Soni Sori claims in the video In the video shared by Digvijaya, activist Soni Sori makes several allegations: Sori further questions how a top Naxalite like Hidma, who reportedly moved with three-layered security, could be killed in an encounter involving only six people:
“This clearly looks like murder.” BJP: ‘Your politics stands on Anti-national issues’ MLA Chandravanshi accused Digvijaya of twisting the SIR (Special Intensive Review) process to create a false narrative: “Stop doing politics in the name of tribals. In 70 years, your government did nothing compared to what we are doing now. You stand with terrorists and Naxalites. That’s why you keep losing elections.” He added:
“You link every issue to Naxalism. Your politics now rests on anti-national themes. Naxalism will be wiped out, and our government will fulfil this resolve.” Soni Sori questions the encounter: Key interactions Q: Hidma has been killed in an encounter. What do you want to say? A: “It is a fake encounter. Hidma was murdered. He could have been arrested and sent to jail. He was killed because he was tribal. In our culture, funerals are not done at noon; they pressured us.” Q: Why did you cover the body with black cloth? A: “Hidma was a revolutionary. He fought for Bastar. His voice will remain here. The revolution will continue until atrocities on tribals end.” Q: What will you do now regarding the encounter? A: “We will file a case in court and demand an inquiry committee. Others were taken into custody—why not him? The government couldn’t tolerate a tribal rising as a leader.” Q: Reports say Devji has been arrested. What information do you have? A: “We heard Devji has been arrested. If he could be arrested, why not Hidma? Because he was tribal—they wanted to crush him. I do not support armed struggle.” Key questions raised by Soni Sori